Enjoying this book? Help it get discovered by casting your vote!
Loved it! 😍
A sweet Christmas story told from the perspective of the Bethlehem innkeeper's child who visits the Baby Jesus in the stable.
‘Twas an evening in Bethlehem and all through the day
Many guests were arriving from far, far away...
The inn is full, but when a young, expectant couple arrives, the innkeeper cannot turn them away. Follow this beloved tale through the eyes of the innkeeper’s young daughter as she witnesses the glorious surprises of that very first Christmas and rediscover anew the gift of the manger that ultimately points us to the cross.
The child of an innkeeper in Bethlehem shows Mary and Joseph to the stable, bringing them some blankets and cleaning out the animals' trough to be used as the manger for the baby. In the middle of the night, the child hears a baby crying and sneaks out to the stable to visit the Christ-child. Angels are singing in the heavens, a bright star shines over the stable, and local shepherds come to worship. The child is proud to be a part of the miracle of Jesus' birth, and keeps the King close in their heart.
This book was so sweet and lovely that it actually made me cry while I was reading it! So adorable, it really touched my heart. Despite the simplicity of the story, it has deep spiritual undertones that are sure to speak to the reader in a profound way.
The story is told in poetry, and the phrases flow smoothly with good rhymes. The meter is consistent and the wording is expressive. The story line is simple and sweet, as the innkeeper's child helps Mary and Joseph to get settled in the stable and then visits the baby Messiah.
The illustrations are very soft and blurry with a watercolor style and muted colors. It almost looks impressionistic, and is very appropriate for the story. The characters faces are blurred in the illustrations, leaving room for the imagination, and giving the impression of years of history, since the people seem far away in time. I don't quite know how to describe the style, but I really like it!
Each page has a beautiful green and gold border that makes the text and artwork stand out.
I just loved this sweet Christmas story! And I appreciated the unique idea to retell the Christmas history from the perspective of the innkeeper's child. I don't think I've ever seen a Christmas story quite like this one! It really is a special book.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Reviewed by
I read 150-200 books per year. I post reviews on GoodReads, Amazon, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, in addition to my book blog, Books for MKs. I have over 4,000 subscribers/followers. I am a careful and thoughtful reviewer, with the writing skills to describe my reading experience with each book.
Synopsis
‘Twas an evening in Bethlehem and all through the day
Many guests were arriving from far, far away...
The inn is full, but when a young, expectant couple arrives, the innkeeper cannot turn them away. Follow this beloved tale through the eyes of the innkeeper’s young daughter as she witnesses the glorious surprises of that very first Christmas and rediscover anew the gift of the manger that ultimately points us to the cross.
About the author
Jenelle fell in love with stories through her father’s voice reading books aloud each night. A relentless opener-of-doors in hopes of finding passage to Narnia, it was only natural that she began making up fantastical realms of her own. view profile
Published on October 01, 2019
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
Discover more books like 'Twas an Evening in Bethlehem
Create your free account to help this book get discovered and decide on the bestselling stories of tomorrow.
or
Or sign up with an
Or sign up with your social account